Top 16 Beaches To Visit Near Williamsburg, Virginia
Even though the fall season is the best time of the year to visit Williamsburg for a dose of history among the astounding, rich fall colors, the area’s many beaches also make it a perfect summer getaway.
In fact, the beaches near Williamsburg, Virginia are some of the best in the country. It doesn’t matter if you prefer popular local hang outs or something more private off the beaten path – either way, Williamsburg, Virginia has you covered.
Best Beaches Near Williamsburg, Virginia
There are several local hangouts near Colonial Williamsburg worth checking out during your trip. After soaking up the local history of one of America’s first planned cities, you can spend the afternoon soaking up the sun alongside locals and other visitors.
You don’t have to travel far from Colonial Williamsburg to find one of these popular beachfronts. In fact, you can reach these beaches in under a half an hour!
Yorktown Beach
Location: 425 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690
Yorktown Beach is a fantastic place to visit during your trip to Williamsburg, VA, and it’s a little over 20 minutes away via the Colonial Parkway. The beachfront is close to historic sites, such as the Yorktown Battlefield and the Victory Monument, and is one of the best public beaches that the Hampton Roads area has to offer.
This two-acre, family-friendly beach also has a large picnic area nearby and a beach park where there are fields of grass to play casual sports.
The beachfront and beach park are also ideal for biking – nearby visitors can rent bikes from Patriot Tours & Provisions. Along the beachfront there are many restaurants, restrooms and free parking areas available, making it the perfect place for an all-day trip.
If you want to go for a ride on the water, Patriot Tours also rents kayaks and paddleboards. There’s a fishing pier near Cornwallis Cove and areas set up for fishing, where you can catch a variety of fish like bass, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and stripers.
One of the best parts of this beach is the view of the Coleman Memorial Bridge over York River. This is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset after a day of swimming and sunbathing.
Jamestown Beach
Location: 2205 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg VA 23185
Jamestown Beach Event Park is just a 12-minute drive from Colonial Williamsburg. The beach park has picnic areas and grills, and right next to the beach park, you’ll find James Fort and the Jamestown Historic Ship Museum.
There are swimming areas where you can take a dip in the James River, as well as a designated fishing area. (A freshwater fishing license is required to fish.) From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, you can also rent kayaks and enjoy ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks at the concession area.
An observation pier and paddle craft launch are nearby, as well. Pro tip: Keep in mind that parking lots charge a parking fee between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during the summer season.
Williamsburg – Just a Short Trip From Virginia Beach
There are a number of beach fronts and beach parks you can choose from when visiting Virginia Beach, the closest of which is about an hour from the Williamsburg area, and we guarantee that the beauty of the ocean makes a day trip during your visit to Williamsburg worth it.
Willoughby Beachfront
Location: Willoughby, VA 23511
Willoughby Beachfront is the closest location in the Virginia Beach area, and tends to be a bit of a hidden gem. It’s usually less crowded than other beaches, but it can be harder to get to certain areas because of the lack of parking. (You may have to find parking on a side street, which can be hard.) However, if you want some beachfront solitude during your time near Virginia Beach, this is a great option.
Ocean View Beachfront
Location: Norfolk, VA 23503
This beachfront is also relatively close to the Williamsburg area, and has a few beach parks close to it. It’s also located next to the Longest Pier – an extremely popular place for fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. There’ a number of beach parks along the beachfront that you can enjoy while soaking up the sun.
Ocean View Beach Park
Location: 100 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503
The beach park is 6.5 acres and has a beachfront area that is monitored by lifeguards. Band performances and musicians are featured throughout the weekend, and this location is a perfect spot to listen to music and watch the sun set over Chesapeake Bay.
Sarah Constant Beach Park
Location: 300 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510
Sarah Constant Beach Park is a less-crowded beach park along the Ocean View beachfront. The beach is a beautiful white-sand, and there are lifeguards monitoring the swimming area. There are also public grills, restrooms and picnic areas available.
Community Beach Park
Location: 700 E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503
Community Beach Park is located near Ocean View’s wide, sandy beach. There’s a playground, and this very relaxed, kid- and dog-friendly beach park has picnic tables and public restrooms available for use (and a variety of restaurants not far away). Like the Sarah Constant Beach Park, Community Beach tends to be less crowded than the Ocean View Beach Park.
Cone’s Beach and Grove Beach
Cone’s Beach Location: 1704 E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503
Grove Beach Location: 1800 E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503
Cone’s Beach and Grove Beach are two neighboring beach front locations and are great if you’re looking for a quiet beach experience. However, they don’t have the public amenities that come along with the more popular beach fronts that have attached beach parks.
First Landing State Park and Beach
Location: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
This popular beach front, which is actually inside a state park, has some of the calmest waters in the entire Virginia Beach area (and is less crowded than many of the other popular tourist beach fronts).
There are numerous trails in the park, so if you want to take a nature walk after you sunbathe or swim, then this is the perfect spot for you. This beach is also more dog-friendly than Ocean View is during the summer months, a major plus for pet-lovers.
North End Beach
Location: Virginia Beach, VA 23451
This oceanfront beach along the North End neighborhood has a little more wave action than the Chesapeake Bay options and is pet-friendly before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
There are fewer public amenities here than at Ocean View, such as showers and public restrooms, and there aren’t any lifeguard stations. But, a patrol does go by regularly during the summer months.
This beach is less crowded than the Ocean View beaches, and the boardwalk isn’t far away if you need something during your time at the beach.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Area
Location: Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the main tourist draw of the Virginia Beach area, and the beach fronts here can be crowded and parking can be a challenge.
But, there’s so much to do in this area, which often makes the trip worth it. There’s an iconic statue of Neptune, amusement parks, scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop a ferris wheel, haunted houses, unique stores – you name it, it’s here.
Virginia Beach can be a great day trip that includes way more than sunbathing and swimming. There are tons of activities located next to the beach to keep things interesting. Some highlights include the following:
-
- Grommet Island Park: a wheelchair accessible playground with areas for sand castle building.
- Virginia Aquarium: the perfect spot to take time out of the sun and learn about aquatic life (just a short walk from the beach)
- Adventure Park: a ziplining adventure located right next to the aquarium
- Cape Henry Lighthouse: the fourth oldest lighthouse in the United States
- Lost Planet’s Mirror Maze: a fun maze with a very photo-worthy aesthetic
Looking for Something Different for Your Beach Trip?
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, there are a number of beaches you can visit that are even closer to the Williamsburg area. Whether you want some quiet time by the water or you don’t want to deal with the bustling tourist season, these beaches are for you.
College Creek Beach
Location: Colonial National Historical Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185
This beachfront is just eight minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg by car. It sits on a small inlet formed by the James River and the smaller College Creek.
This river is not suitable to swim in – the current is much too strong. However, if you’re looking to spend some time in nature and away from it all, this is a great place to go. College Creek can also make for a quick picnic spot during your trip to Williamsburg.
Buckroe Beach and Park
Location: 100 S First St, Hampton, VA 23664
Cross through our neighboring city, Newport News, and you’ll find Buckroe Beach. Buckroe Beach still pulls a crowd, but not quite as large as those in the Virginia Beach area. The three-quarters of a mile beach has lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season.
The beach park has a quaint mini-lighthouse, and Hampton Watersports offers paddleboard and jet ski rentals in the area during the summer season. There are also concessions nearby and free parking, making this a very easy day trip to plan.
Buckroe Beach isn’t dog-friendly, though, so you may have to take your pooch to another spot on the list. If you don’t have a furry-friend to worry about, the beach has a nearby farmers market on Saturday mornings throughout the summer season.
Gloucester Point Beach Park
Location: 1255 Greate Rd, Gloucester Point, VA 23062
Across the York River from Yorktown Beach is the Gloucester Point Beach Park. This is a quieter beach front than its neighbor, but there are still tons of amenities, such as a concession stand, public restrooms and an outdoor shower along the sandy beach.
The park area has several picnic areas with tables and grills for public use, and there’s a fishing pier located off of the beach. Best of all, the fishing pier has a blanket license, so you don’t need to have an individual saltwater license to fish here.
Grandview Beach
Location: 22 Constant Rd, Hampton, VA 23664
On the east coast of the Hampton area, you’ll find Grandview Nature Preserve and Grandview Beach. You can enjoy long walks on trails, beautiful views of the local wildlife and a peaceful beach day trip all in one! Did we mention it’s only about 45 minutes away from Williamsburg?
Grandview has a beautiful sand peninsula, called Factory Point, that you can hike to. This park and beachfront is a natural hidden gem, and even when the beach draws a larger number of people than usual, it still manages to feel secluded. This is a wonderful place to look for seashells and take a breath of fresh air just for yourself.
Plan Some Fun In Sun (and More) in Williamsburg
Now that you’ve got all the info when it comes to beaches near Williamsburg, Virginia, make sure to check out everything else the city has to offer so that you can make the most of your stay. Busch Gardens, ghost tours, history and more – there’s so much to do!
Check our website for more attractions or visit our blog for insider tips and ideas that are guaranteed to make your Williamsburg trip all that you dreamed of and more!